Culture & Society
A Personal Review of Mami Wata CJ ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata and the Repositioning of Nollywood
CJ ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata is a meticulously crafted film with the soul of true filmmaking in it. While it is worthy of the celebration it has had, is it truly a great movie? Read More...
Dirty or Clean December? Will Nigerian Artists Treat Their Fans Better This Year?
Afrobeats is enjoying a great cultural moment globally, but why are Nigerian fans excluded from this by a toxic concert culture? Read More...
We Need to Talk About the Nobel Prize Bias Why Are Black People Still Not Winning Nobel Prizes in the Sciences?
Winning the Literature and Peace Nobel Prizes has been crucial to Black literature and resistance. But what does a history of omission in the other elusive categories mean? Read More...
Nigerian Godpunk Comes of Age with Shigidi Book Review: Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi
Shigidi, a fantasy novel by Wole Talabi, is a fine display of the author’s dexterity as a writer and his keen eye for story. It is also a fine demonstration of how grossly underutilized African mythology has been in world fantasy. Read More...
Living in America, Leaving Nigeria Notes on the House that Needs Saving
Living in America as an African is quite different from living somewhere in Africa. If anything, Americans will make you forget your own insignificance on earth. Read More...
Is C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata a Modern-Day Classic? Review: ‘Mami Wata’ (2023)
By being steadfast to his vision to explore African political and religious realities, C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata is swimming outside its national shores. Read More...
7 Books for Anyone Dealing With Grief and Loss
From poignant stories to insightful reflections, our book recommendations have the potential to provide comfort, encouragement, and a profound understanding of the complexities of grief and loss. Read More...
‘I Love Books That Evoke an Emotional Reaction in Me’ Muthoni Muiruri’s First Draft
Kenyan publisher and co-founder of Soma Nami Books, Muthoni Muiruri, loves to read books that are intellectually stimulating and evoke an emotional reaction: ‘If a book makes me cry and teaches me empathy; if the characters stay with me long after reading, I consider that a forever book. I am also extremely grateful for books that teach me something, that challenge me and force me to reckon with my ignorance and biases and that compel me to want to research and learn.’ Read More...
Redefining Edo The Cultural Significance of Rema’s 02 Arena Performance
Nigerian singer, Rema, has been accused of Satanism because of the themes in his recent 02 performance. However, these themes are reminiscent of his Edo heritage. Read More...
A Journey of Resilience and Sisterhood Book Review: Lákíríboto by Ayodele Olofintuade
Lákíríboto, a novel by Ayodele Olofintuade, is a queer coming-of-age story about two young Nigerian women who find themselves at the centre of a family saga. In this novel, Olofintuade delivers a powerful narrative that speaks to the resilience of women in the face of adversity. Read More...
